Thousands of British troops and hundreds of military vehicles have deployed to Germany for Exercise Cerberus 2024, a large-scale training event aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of the British Army’s 3rd (UK) Division, according to a news release.
The bi-annual exercise saw 3,200 soldiers and officers participate in intensive warfighting drills at the UK’s NATO Forward Holding Base in Sennelager, alongside German forces.
Major General Olly Brown, General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Division, praised the exercise as a vital opportunity to sharpen the British Army’s warfighting skills, saying, “We have had 3,200 soldiers and officers out here in Germany to optimize warfighting skills, which is what the British Army is all about. We are learning every day, becoming better and more lethal.”
He added, “We put people under pressure to make them even better in terms of their ability to execute complex missions against a hard-charging enemy. The output has been good, and the people have really enjoyed their training.”
The exercise marked the first time a German Headquarters, Panzerlehrbrigade 9, participated in Exercise Cerberus. Brigadier-General Lutz Kuhn, Commander of Panzerlehrbrigade 9, highlighted the positive experience of working with British forces, stating, “Working with our British colleagues has been just fine. We have really enjoyed their comradeship and their friendship. But more importantly, it is good to see their professionalism, and it is a pleasure to cooperate with them.”
Brigadier-General Kuhn noted that while the German forces were not being validated in this exercise, the opportunity to fine-tune procedures in a realistic environment was invaluable.
He explained, “Sennelager is perfect for this and allows us to train as we should fight. This is a serious topic for us as we look to draw conclusions and lessons learnt from the various conflicts in the world today.”
British units that took part in the exercise included six Brigade Headquarters from:
- 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team
- 12 Armoured Brigade Combat Team
- 7 Mechanised Brigade Combat Team
- 20 Armoured Brigade Combat Team
- 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade
- 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team
Major General Brown highlighted the collaboration between British and German forces, noting, “We are learning from each other, and we are getting better together on the battlefield.”
The exercise was nearly a year in the making, designed by specialists from the UK’s Land Warfare Centre. Major Tony Meagor, who helped design the exercise, spoke of its importance, saying, “The whole point of this exercise is to prove to our friends and allies that the British Army is ready for whatever comes its way. We are here to reassure our NATO allies and the German Army that we are ready to help and support them, whatever the mission or whatever the situation.”
Must like the Antic road show when we turn up.
Remember “Lionheart”? lol
Yup. Having participated in Lionheart which had close to 150k people involved, I take 3k being referred to as “large scale” with a bit of a chuckle.
Some observations.
It’s for 3 Division according to the news release.
Yet 2 of those Bde HQ are 1 Division.
Is 7 Bde now officially 7 Mechanized? It is still 7 Light Mechanized AFAIK?
And where is 3 Divisions third “Brigade” the DRSB?
In addition, having now read the actual news release, it says all 6 Bde HQ are part of 3 Division. They’re not.
Also reaffirms 3 Div as SACEUR reserve in NATOs new model.
Which is it? You cannot have a reserve with the flexibility to be committed at a place of SACEURs choosing if a big chunk of the Division is already committed to Estonia.
It’s not then “in reserve”
HMG love this pretend everywhere at once stuff.
Finally, I see the GOC3D got the “lethal” word in….I wonder if he was briefed by upstairs?
Operation Rustbucket.
I find it troubling in that second photo there appears to be no women or persons of colour.
How can they operate without the unique input that women and persons of colour bring to all situations? Come on this is the 21st century.
You know the Russians are scared of our diversity and inclusivity.
Deary me.😓
Coming from someone who was complaining about sexism the other day this is really rich.
I think you are being sarcastic, plus looking at the way one of the people is crossing their legs I would say there is at least 1 woman in there even if you can’t see her face.
Dont worry- here comes the British army- in their 40+ year old armoured vehicles. 2nd only to Russia’s army in terms of keeping worn out platforms running.
I’m wondering what artillery units were supporting the armoured brigade
Maybe that’s why DRSB were absent. What’s left is in Estonia.
Though there’s still M270.
Yup the As90 biscuit tin is just about empty